Rookie Pauley boosts SaberCats' defense
June 25, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. (June 25, 2004) - When a rookie admits he's got "a lot to learn," then you know he is humbled by his surroundings in the Arena Football League. Charles Pauley is just that type of first-year player who has worked hard all season and proved to be a support player for the San Jose SaberCats, who will make their second appearance in an ArenaBowl game on Sunday.
"I have to learn the little things in this game," the 24-year-old Pauley said prior to the SaberCats meeting the Arizona Rattlers in ArenaBowl XVIII, Sunday, before a national television audience on NBC. "I like the game because it's better to run around freely on the small field, hit people and look to get interceptions," he said.
From primarily an offensive background, Pauley, out of San Jose State, has made the transition to defense on the smaller turf. He was pressed into action this season when season-ending injuries hit two-time AFL Defensive Player of the Year Clevan Thomas and veteran Wendall Davis at the defensive specialist position.
Pauley has provided some important minutes for defensive coordinator Michael Church. In fact, his interception and 14-yard return against the Chicago Rush sealed the win for the SaberCats. "I'm getting the chance to play defense and that's what I've wanted to do since I left high school," said Pauley, who also lettered in basketball and track. "None of my other coaches have given me an opportunity to play defense and this league offers me that chance to play on defense, which is what I love to do."
Offensively, Pauley has no faults. He emerged from San Jose State in two years as one of the most prolific receivers and return specialists in school history. His 101 receptions ranks him 11th all-time on the school's history ledger.
As a Spartan, he led the nation with a 31.6-yard kickoff return average. He had 978 yards and scored twice on 31 returns. Unfortunately, with the SaberCats he has been behind Rashied Davis, Barry Wagner and Fred Coleman in the kickoff and missed field goal return categories.
"I do hope to play offense," he said of one day handling the ball in the Arena Football League. "I was hoping it would happen at the end of the season, but I know it's coming next year. I just know my chance of playing offense is coming." During the regular AFL season, Pauley did have three catches for 46 yards with no touchdowns, however, in six games had two interceptions and four pass break ups.
Pauley said he has adjusted well to life in the AFL. He says the 50-yard field suits his style. "It plays in my favor because I'm a quick guy," he says with confidence. "It's not that big, so I get around pretty fast and can cover a lot of ground. The little field has come to be an advantage"
One of San Jose State's most decorated all-purpose players, Pauley, at 5-foot-10 and 165-pounds, amassed a school record 355 all-purpose yards and threw a 78-yard pass-run scoring strike against Nevada in the 2001 season. He was named to four post-season all-America teams, after his senior season, including The Associated Press, Sporting News and CNNSI.com. He was a first-team all-Western Athletic Conference all-purpose back.
The prestigious San Jose Sports Hall of Fame also named Pauley its "Amateur Athlete of the Year." "Being named the top amateur athlete of the year for the entire Santa Clara County was big for me," said an excited Pauley. "I loved it." Playing in his backyard of San Jose has been exciting. "It feels good and the support is always there," he said.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 25, 2004
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